Raised beds can be built from many materials. However, wooden bed boxes are particularly popular - they are quick and easy to build, inexpensive and also flexible to set up. If the raised bed is to be moved to another location at a later date, a wooden raised bed can be easily dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere. However, not all types of wood are suitable for this.
Which wood is best for a raised bed?
Hardwoods such as larch, Douglas fir, robinia and oak are best suited for a raised bed. They offer robustness, durability and resistance to outdoor moisture.
Softwood or hardwood? These are the differences
Basically, a distinction is made between softwood and hardwood, with the former usually being coniferous trees and the latter being deciduous trees - exceptions of course confirm this rule, because types of wood such as linden, poplar or willow are also softwoods. On the other hand, there are also comparatively hard softwoods, of which the European larch is a very good example. The main difference is the density of the respective wood - the lighter it is, the lower its density and the softer it is. A type of wood is considered to be a softwood if its drying density (i.e. the density of dried wood) is less than 0.55 grams per cubic centimeter.
Why hardwoods are better for raised beds
Soft types of wood are primarily used for interior use and for the construction of furniture and instruments. With a few exceptions, they are not suitable for building raised beds. Although softwood is cheap and easy to process, it is also not very durable and rots quickly under unfavorable conditions. Since raised beds are constantly exposed to high levels of moisture, a frame made of soft wood decomposes within a very short time. However, you will enjoy a model made from hardwood for much longer. These types of wood are significantly more robust and durable, although more expensive. However, the purchase price is quickly amortized due to the longer shelf life.
The best types of wood for raised beds
The best types of wood for a stable and robust raised bed are these:
Larch
The Siberian larch is primarily sold in stores, which is significantly more robust and durable compared to its European relatives.
Douglas fir
Douglas fir is also one of the comparatively hard softwoods (even if it is usually considered one of the soft types of wood), is robust and easy to process. Direct contact with earth should be avoided at all costs, which is why the use of foil is essential.
Robinie
This is a deciduous tree that is even harder and more robust than our European oak. Excellent for outdoor use and therefore suitable for building raised beds!
Oak
White oak in particular is comparatively liquid-resistant and is therefore used to build liquid containers. It is also very suitable for building raised beds, but is quite expensive.
Tip
You can improve the durability of the wood used by lining the inside with foil and painting the outside with a non-toxic protective glaze.
